US Consulate in Bengaluru to open in January: Ambassador Garcetti

The United States is on track to inaugurate its Consulate in Bengaluru by January 2024, announced US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti.

Speaking at a US-India Business Council (USIBC) session on Thursday, Garcetti reportedly emphasized the importance of this development, calling Bengaluru a key city currently underserved by US diplomatic presence.

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This initiative follows the 2023 announcement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden regarding the establishment of two new US consulates in India, one in Bengaluru and another in Ahmedabad. Garcetti reaffirmed the commitment, stating, "We’re dedicated to opening the consulate in Bengaluru and expect to make an announcement soon."

Bengaluru, a global technology and innovation hub, already hosts a US Foreign Commercial Service office. The addition of a consulate is expected to enhance the growing bilateral ties and streamline visa services for the region's residents.

Tejasvi Surya, Member of Parliament for Bengaluru South, highlighted the practical benefits, estimating that four to five lakh Karnataka residents will benefit annually from local visa processing services. “Previously, people had to travel to Chennai, Hyderabad, or Delhi for US visa-related work, costing them ₹25,000 to ₹30,000 per trip,” he said, expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for facilitating the initiative.

The US Consulate in Bengaluru is set to address a long-standing demand and strengthen the ties between India and the United States.